Month: July 2013

Quality Pet Treats

Almost everyday we receive inquiries and questions regarding pet treat analysis. Many people across the country are getting into this market and developing their own natural treat products in their homes. Just type the words “pet treats” as part of a Google Search and you will see over 123,000,000 results. Pet owners want to give

Cyclospora at Farmers Markets

Check out this news story that has been an issue in Iowa and surrounding states. Cyclospora Outbreak: What You Need To Know – Source Forbes, 7/26/2013 The cyclospora outbreak in the US which began in mid June has now affected 285 people in 11 states Cyclospora is a one-celled parasite which is too small to

Microcystin Testing

Over the past several weeks, the environmental client services staff have received several phone calls related to mirosystin toxins in lakes. Microcystins are cyclic nonribosomal peptides produced by cyanobacteria (e.g.Microcystis aeruginosa and Planktothrix). They are cyanotoxins and can be very toxic for plants and animals including humans. Their hepatotoxicity may cause serious damage to the liver. Source Wikipedia This issue is getting a lot of attention the

Is the Drought Comping Back this Summer?

The latest figures indicate that the Drought is coming back, especially in the highland states. Check out the latest figures on the High Plains Drought Monitor Page. The High Plains states are taking the brunt of the dry, drought conditions. The United States Drough Map also indicates this same picture. I guess the main concern I

Freshness Dates and Shelf Life Testing

Check out this news story from yesterday regarding product freshness. It talks about the different date labels that you can find on different products. These product dates are becoming more and more important to consumers, distributors and retailers. Just last week, Twinkees were advertised to have a longer shelf life with their latest release. Right

Air Pollution in China | How Bad Is It?

Pollution in Bejing, China is 5 times as bad as the worse city in the United States. Everyday, people check the air quality and adjust their routine based on those figures. A 5 million dollar dome was built just to protect kids playing in an outside environment. Check out this recent CBS News Story on

Arsenic Levels in Apple Juice

The FDA released a statement that product can be pulled off the shelf if levels of arsenic are greater than 10 parts per billion. This level is the same, acceptable level that drinking water must adhere to. The FDA updated its standards from 23 parts per billion which was set in 2008. Consumer groups have

Field Corn and Sweet Corn

Field corn is about half-way through the growing process. Some corn is almost beginning to tassle. This time of year is harvest time for sweet corn. Last year was a tough year for sweet corn in the midwest because of the extreme drought conditions. This year is a much better year. I am still amazed

How should I water my lawn in the summer?

It is that time of year when homeowners are beginning to see dry spots in their lawn. Here are two tips to help your yard survive the summer heat. 1) Raise your blade. Don’t mow so short. With the direct sunlight hitting your grass, it is wise to let the grass get a little higher

Twinkies are coming back with longer shelf life

Twinkies are coming back in a big way in less than a week. The announcment was made by the Apollo Global Management and Metropoulos & Co. this week. The biggest added value of Twinkies coming back is its longer shelf life. Hostess Brands LLC says the spongy yellow cakes will have a shelf life of 45